Things going well at Recycling Center

Dan Scott, Ashland Recyling Published: September 15, 2007 4:00 AM

School is back in session, Labor Day weekend is over and the Ashland County Fair is starting Sunday.

Time sure seems to fly by faster as each year passes. Much of that could be because we all have many activities going on in our daily lives and time becomes more precious. It also could be like the old saying says "time flies when you are having fun." I think it also could be said that time flies when things are going well, and for us at the Recycling Center that is the case this year.

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Even though we had a slight decrease in our tonnage that I reported in July, we have enjoyed good commodity market pricing through the first nine months of the year which has allowed us to hold steady on our finances.

We aren't gaining as far as having extra funds to put back to weather the down times in market prices or to save for major equipment upgrades, but we are keeping up with our projected budget figures, which means things are going well financially.

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In August, things went well for us at our annual Recycling Center Scholarship Golf Outing at Rolling Acres Golf Club in Nova.

The outing raises funds for the Solid Waste District scholarship fund, which in recent years has been providing two $1,000 scholarships each year to graduating seniors in Ashland County.

This year, our outing had the highest participation rate ever in its 10-year history. We had 18 teams enter along with 26 hole-sponsors and we raised more than $2,100 for the fund.

It was blistering hot that day with temps in the mid '90s, but all the participants made it around the course and had a good time. I thank all those who participated and also a big thank you to all our sponsors.

We recently have completed the installation of our new computerized scale system which involved installing a computer server to connect all our computers together as well as adding two new scale readers that are wired into the computer network.

We have worked closely with the folks at Ashland Scale who developed the custom software for the new scale reading system as well as supplying the scale readers and Jeff Beebe from the county IT department who acquired the necessary hardware for this major changeover.

The new system will be more efficient than our old setup by eliminating handwritten records which consumed a lot of time. It also will allow us to better track our loads of outbound material.

Even though the project took longer to complete than we originally had intended, the transition is going well and we are pleased with the results.

Another change with the new computer system is we now are paying for materials we purchase through our drive-thru operation by check instead of cash for any transaction more than $5.

People selling us material must present a valid driver's license or state issued photo ID card in order to receive payment.

This part of the system allows us to keep track of who we buy material from, as well as reducing the need to keep sums of money on hand to pay for materials.

One could argue the check writing system is inconvenient for our customers, but since most folks go to the bank on a regular basis, we feel the advantages of reducing to a minimum the amount of cash we have on hand, not having to worry about running out of money on busy days and providing a better audit paper trail outweigh any inconvenience of receiving a check for their material.

On Sept. 8, the annual Mohican River Cleanup took place and went well. Thirty-two volunteers under the direction and help from Loudonville Canoe Livery and Mohican Adventures Canoe Livery did a sweep of the river from Perrysville to Loudonville. They collected enough trash to fill half a 30-yard dumpster as well as 50 tires.

The Solid Waste District pays for the tire disposal and the tipping fees to dispose of the trash at the landfill.

I would like to thank all the volunteers for giving their time, the canoe liveries for their organization of the event and providing the canoes and safety equipment and Allied Waste Systems in Mansfield for providing the dumpsters free of charge.

The river and the area surrounding it are important assets for tourism in our county, and we are glad to help with this important project each year as all the parties involved strive to keep it litter free and negate the actions of people who irresponsibly throw their trash where it doesn't belong.

I hope you have a chance to see our booth at the Ashland County Fair. We enjoy highlighting our activities, showing the winning posters from our Earth Day calendar poster contest and providing a display message on the importance of reducing, reusing, recycling or composting.

Speaking of composting, the fall season when you are clearing off your gardens and flower beds is an ideal time to consider starting or expanding your own backyard composting area.

We have self-contained composting bins for sale for $34 each.

These don't take up much space and are great for turning your yard waste into rich useable compost for next spring. Stop by the Recycling Center and check out the Earth Machine compost system.

As always, if you have questions, comments or need clarification or help with any recycling or disposal issue, feel free to call me at the Recycling Center at 419-289-7382 or stop by our offices.

I hope you have an enjoyable fall season and that things go well for you too, and remember keep recycling.

n Dan Scott is the coordinator of the Ashland County Solid Waste District & Recycling Center.